As the Church in the United States and Canada celebrated the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord today (Thursday, May 14, 2026), Our Lady of the Angels (OLA) marks an important moment in our own history as we say goodbye to our Custody in Rio de Janeiro as it transitions to the jurisdiction of the Province of Saint Francis in São Paulo, soon to be known as Our Lady of Aparecida.
The Ascension reminds us that although the Lord returns to the Father, He never abandons His disciples. Instead, He entrusts the mission of the Gospel to them and promises to remain with them always. In many ways, this transition reflects that same missionary spirit that has always marked our Franciscan life — a willingness to let go, to trust the Holy Spirit, and to continue the mission in new ways.
I am sure this is a bittersweet moment both for the friars in Rio and for us in OLA. Lifelong friendships have been established. The legacy Province of the Immaculate Conception was deeply proud of the ministry in Brazil, and OLA continues to hold a special affection in our hearts for the friars and people there. The bonds of fraternity, prayer, and shared mission do not end with a change in jurisdiction.
Just over 80 years ago, young, excited friars from the Province of the Immaculate Conception answered the invitation to begin ministry in Brazil. Most of those friars did not know how to speak Portuguese, but they decided to come, not only to learn the language but also the culture and the Church in Brazil. Many decided to come to Rio and study at the major seminary so that they could get a true feel for the life of the local Church.
Many of these friars came to Rio Comprido (considered at that time as an urban suburb of Rio de Janeiro). Names like Marcellus Walder, Louis LePage, Sixtus Patrick, Cyprian Sullivan, Bernardine Golden, Andrew Ehlinger, and, of course, Martin De Porres Ward, whose cause for canonization is presently being promoted. Some of us half-joke that when Rio and São Paulo come together, that can be Martin’s first miracle! Of course, we must not forget George Sabol, the last living Brazilian Missionary.
These early pioneers got to work, built minor and major seminaries, in addition to Churches, and ministered where the need was greatest.
We assure our Brazil Brothers our prayerful support as they are now the pioneers of a new entity, a new way of living as Franciscan Friars Conventual in Brazil.
Our pioneer friars were men who courageously answered the Lord’s call to leave home, learn a new language and culture, and establish the Order among the wonderful people of Brazil. Their witness continues to inspire us as we seek to live the Gospel with the same faith, courage, and missionary zeal.
OLA will simply not leave our brothers in Brazil. We will also continue our relationship with the Brazilian Friars in our joint venture in Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Ludlow, Mass. The team of Pedro de Oliveira and Luiz De Lima Rangel is amazing.
